Why are environmentalists not talking about hemp as a viable renewable resource for fuel, paper, etc.?

Question

it is the leading producer of biomass per acre of any known plant species. it produces more usable pulp per acre than old growth trees. it is extremely resistant to pests which reduces pesticide usage. why are we talking about corn and sugarcane again...?

Answer 1

oh we are dear.

http://www.life.ca/nl/108/hemphouse.html

etcetera

Answer 2

Well, when it comes to corn, you have to ask who's talking about it. Certainly not real environmentalists. More likely politicians from the corn belt or agribusiness lobbyists.

I love the idea of using hemp for a whole slew of things. However, our culture has gone to war against drugs, and can't seem to discriminate between hemp and its more groovy cousin.

Answer 3

Hemp is used but it's no panacea; depending on the purpose it often makes more to use other plants, logging, or synthetic materials.  Not to mention the HUGE problem hemp growers are experience with thieves who think it's something else...

Answer 4

Ah!  A question as old as the DEA!